Communication | Community Engagement | DiSC Facilitator | AgSTAR Projects - Regional NSW
From little things…what started as an idea, a dream, is now a reality. Anyone who lives in country towns knows if you want something done, you get in, volunteer, get a team on board and work hard to make it happen. The old tennis courts in Binnaway had seen better days, not used much, weeds growing through the cracks you know the deal…I asked around, got a couple of people keen, slowly we built to having regular social tennis. There were holes in the old nets, the balls would hit the cracks in the surface but it brought people together and gave them much needed social connection and exercise in the middle of the drought. Slowly, we built a committee, applied for grants, improved the lighting, painted the amenities and cleaned, mowed, got new nets and whipper snipped. We held BBQs, fundraised or funded ourselves to keep it going and now have regular free kids coaching clinics in the school holidays. We dreamt of resurfacing: made a plan, got quotes, lobbied, held meetings, consulted, added a multipurpose court, persisted through the many challenges and finally…it happened! Lessons: 1. Do it yourself: you can sit around, whinge and wait or make a plan and make it happen 2. Volunteers are key to rural community resilience: the more we and particularly government at all levels can support volunteer community groups and their efforts the better. 3. It takes a team: everything is better when you can share it. Others will bring fresh ideas, perspectives and skills and of course it is crucial for that joint sense of ownership and achievement. Thanks to The Coonabarabran Times for their cover and volunteers everywhere for what you do 😊 🎾☀️
Test Lead at VICRoads
7moThat's awesome - great work 👏